Many factors in our lives can cause stress. These are things like marital problems, career pressure, financial troubles, and health worries, to mention but a few. Stress is a natural reaction, as the body tries to deal with any negative pressures placed on it. However, it can become a problem when these pressures become overwhelming, and in some cases, can be a precursor to anxiety disorders and depression.

 

Our stress tolerance levels are different, and we deal with it in different ways.  But at the end of the day, emptying your stress bucket is essential for your mental health and a fulfilled life. We cannot remove stress from our lives, but we can learn to manage it. We can learn to react to situations more mindfully rather than act out of frustration or anger.

 

Don’t wait until your bucket is overflowing before you do something about it. Empty your stress bucket every single day with these healthy strategies.

 

  1. Daily physical activity is very vital for stress relief.  We release feel-good hormones during exercise, which suppress the stress hormones in our bodies.  To be able to sustain the habit of being physically fit on a regular basis, it is essential to look for activities that you enjoy.  For me, it is jogging in the park early in the morning while listening to music.

 

  1. Get fresh air. The smell of nature decreases stress and promotes relaxations.  Also, connecting with nature will give you a boost of energy.

 

  1. Invest in your sleep. Sleep is so crucial that even slight sleep deprivation or poor sleep can affect memory, judgment, and mood. Therefore, set a regular time every evening to ensure you get 8 hours of sleep.  Also, invest in a good mattress if you can.

 

  1. A problem shared is half solved. Look for a reliable person you trust to talk.  I stress on trust here because the last thing you need is to confide in someone who cannot keep anything to themselves.

 

  1. Surround yourself with people who love and care about you. This can be spending more time with your spouse, your children or even a friend.  Don’t feel obligated to be around people who only bring negativity your way.

 

  1. Laugh more whenever you can. Find that thing that makes you laugh and go for it.  Bill Cosby once said “Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive.”

 

  1. Meditate every single day. Meditation trains our brain to deal with stress more peacefully.  Meditate for as few as 10 minutes a day to control stress, decrease anxiety and achieve a higher level of relaxation.

 

  1. When words fail, music speaks. Music speaks what cannot be expressed.  It soothes the mind and gives it rest.  It heals the heart and makes it whole.  So, take time out every day to listen to music.

 

  1. Take time out. Just as a car needs to refuel to run effectively, so do you. Take the time to care for yourself so that you can be the best you for the people around you. Don’t feel guilty for needing a break. Everybody needs it sometimes to rejuvenate.  Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

 

  1. Adopt healthy eating habits. When you nourish your body, you nourish your brain.  Keep in mind that what you eat becomes part of you.  Therefore, make healthier food choices and be mindful of what you eat.

 

  1. Dodge unhealthy habits like taking drugs, alcohol abuse, smoking, and binging on fast food. These habits offer temporary solutions but worsen the problem afterward.

 

  1. Above all, carry everything to God in prayer. After all, has been said and done, prayer and religion rank high among the best stress busters. No matter your faith, seek guidance and protection of the Almighty.

 

What strategies do you use to empty your stress bucket? Share your thoughts.

 

If you love this article, you might also like Advice to My Younger Self.

 

 

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